Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Greater Canberra and Queanbeyan

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a high-priority Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21036) for parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan. The warning was issued at 1:46 pm on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, as severe weather systems approach the region from the south.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of Canberra and Queanbeyan. At 1:45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected near Tharwa and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. These storms are moving in an east to northeasterly direction and are forecast to affect the following locations:

• Tuggeranong: Expected by 2:15 pm
• Queanbeyan and Hume: Expected by 2:45 pm

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Stay indoors and move away from windows.
• Ensure children and pets are kept indoors.
• For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Stay informed via the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).

Expected Conditions

The approaching thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, along with the potential for large hail and damaging winds. Significant precipitation has already been recorded in the region, with Jerangle receiving 23.4 mm of rain in the 30-minute period ending at 1:02 pm.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:46 pm on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. The storms are currently active and moving through the region. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update for this warning by 2:50 pm.